Find the top holiday events in West Hartford! Our guide has all the must-see festive highlights. Whether West Hartford is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide maximizes your holiday fun.
This season, experience the timeless charm of "A Christmas Carol," where the beloved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life with heartfelt performances and classic storytelling. Meanwhile, the Pentatonix will dazzle audiences with their signature a cappella harmonies during their Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour, blending traditional carols with vibrant modern twists. And don't forget the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve is something you definitely don't want to miss for its stunning visual and musical spectacle. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the West Hartford Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for West Hartford!
Top Holiday Events In and Around West Hartford
- A Christmas Carol (Hartford)
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (Uncasville)
- Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour (Uncasville)
- The Nutcracker (Hartford)
- Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour (Uncasville)
- Home Alone Christmas Tour with Macaulay Culkin (Wallingford)
- Holiday Express Train Show (Fairfield)
- Christmas By Candlelight - Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village (Mystic)
- Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum (Ridgefield)
See these and even more events listed below!
West Hartford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
What to Expect:
Live music and Santa's gift store in a historic village setting.
Description:
Join us at Olde Mistick Village for a festive holiday celebration featuring carolers, a brass band playing holiday favorites, and Santa's special appearance. Santa’s Workshop Children’s Gift Store will be set up in the Meeting House, offering great gifts for children to buy for their family and friends.
Where: Mystic | More Info: Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village
West Hartford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation with a mix of established traditions and new surprises.
Description:
Charles Dickens's timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, transformed by Michael Wilson's adaptation, features a cast of characters including Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This production brings Victorian London to life with a blend of drama and redemption.
Where: Hartford | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour
What to Expect:
Acapella quintet performing holiday classics and originals.
Description:
Pentatonix brings their signature a cappella sound to the Mohegan Sun Arena with their highly anticipated "Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour." The three-time GRAMMY Award-winning quintet will perform a blend of classic and modern holiday hits, showcasing their unique vocal arrangements and harmonies.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Pentatonix: Hallelujah It's a Christmas Tour
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
What to Expect:
An all-new version of the final chapter of TSO's Christmas trilogy.
Description:
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents "The Lost Christmas Eve," a symphonic rock opera that tells the story of a hard-hearted business executive who rediscovers the love of a son he had long ago cast aside. This all-new version of the final chapter of TSO's Christmas trilogy features infectious mash-ups of hard rock and Christmas tunes, incorporating complex light shows and pyrotechnics into its elaborate presentations.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
10-piece a cappella group performing holiday hits and pop favorites.
Description:
Straight No Chaser brings their signature blend of harmonious vocals and holiday cheer to the Mohegan Sun Arena with their Top Shelf Tour. Expect a night filled with flawless harmonies, reimagined pop classics, and festive favorites that will leave you in awe.
Where: Uncasville | More Info: Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet performance by The Nutmeg Ballet, featuring Clara's iconic journey and Tchaikovsky's masterful music, igniting the imaginations of children and adults alike.
Where: Hartford | More Info: The Nutcracker
Home Alone Christmas Tour with Macaulay Culkin
What to Expect:
Macaulay Culkin's exclusive Q&A session about "Home Alone."
Description:
Join Macaulay Culkin for a nostalgic screening of the classic holiday film "Home Alone" at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre. The event includes a Q&A session where Culkin will share behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the film's production.
Where: Wallingford | More Info: Home Alone Christmas Tour with Macaulay Culkin
Holiday Express Train Show
What to Expect:
Large-scale model trains in winter villages.
Description:
The Holiday Express Train Show at the Fairfield Museum & History Center features large and small-scale model trains winding through spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery. Members of local model railroad clubs will be on hand to answer questions and point out details of collectibles, classic trains, modular dioramas, and antique trains in this eye-catching holiday display.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Holiday Express Train Show
Santa Express
What to Expect:
Special gifts from Santa's toy bag for each child.
Description:
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride where passengers can visit Santa Claus and his elves, with each child receiving a special gift from Santa's toy bag.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Santa Express
Home Alone in Concert with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score.
Description:
The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' charming and delightful score live to picture in the holiday classic "Home Alone," starring Macaulay Culkin as an 8-year-old boy defending his home against bungling thieves.
Where: Waterbury | More Info: Home Alone in Concert with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
West Hartford Other Holiday Activities
Christmas By Candlelight - Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Classic Christmas projects and festive village decorations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Sturbridge Village with historic interpreters, classic Christmas projects, and festive decorations.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas By Candlelight - Old Sturbridge Village
Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with period rooms and interactive activities.
Description:
Explore the centuries-old Keeler Tavern Museum during the Holiday Stroll Open House, featuring costumed interpreters, period rooms, and fun activities like a partridge scavenger hunt.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
All Aboard the Snow Clipper
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At the Danbury Railway Museum, embark on a festive journey aboard the Snow Clipper. Enjoy a personalized gift-giving experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus, exploring the museum's interior and historic railyard. The event includes artifact displays, model railroads, and a Letters to Santa coloring station. After a short train ride, meet Santa for the first gifts of Christmas, followed by a walk through the railyard with hot chocolate and treats.
Where: Danbury | More Info: All Aboard the Snow Clipper
Chanukah - Chase Family Gallery - Mandell JCC
What to Expect:
Cultural and educational exhibits showcasing Chanukah traditions.
Description:
The Chase Family Gallery at the Mandell JCC hosts a Chanukah celebration with exhibits and activities that highlight the significance and traditions of the holiday.
Where: West Hartford | More Info: Chanukah - Chase Family Gallery - Mandell JCC
Latkes & RELISH 2023 - Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford
What to Expect:
Cultural event celebrating Jewish heritage with traditional food and activities.
Description:
Latkes & RELISH 2023 at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford is a celebration of Jewish traditions and community spirit, featuring delicious latkes, engaging activities, and meaningful connections.
Where: West Hartford | More Info: Latkes & RELISH 2023 - Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford
Holiday Block Party and Tree Lighting - The Shops at Farmington Valley
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with tree lighting.
Description:
Join us for the Holiday Block Party and Tree Lighting at The Shops at Farmington Valley, where the community comes together to celebrate the season with festive lights and joyful activities.
Where: Canton | More Info: Holiday Block Party and Tree Lighting - The Shops at Farmington Valley
Gingerbread House Festival – Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum
What to Expect:
Community-driven gingerbread house display with Czech Christmas trees.
Description:
The Gingerbread House Festival at the Wood Memorial Library and Museum features intricate gingerbread houses, Czech Christmas trees, and a festive atmosphere. This annual event is a community-driven celebration of art, history, and nature.
Where: South Windsor | More Info: Gingerbread House Festival – Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum
Winterfest Hartford
What to Expect:
Free ice skating and Santa photos with a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Winterfest Hartford offers free ice skating, free skate rentals, and free learn-to-skate classes in Bushnell Park. Families can also visit Santa and receive a free 5x7 printed photo.
Where: Hartford | More Info: Winterfest Hartford
Build-a-Train Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
What to Expect:
Hands-on model train building and painting.
Description:
Build and paint your own wooden model train to create an immersive, wintry landscape at the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Each workshop session lasts about 90 minutes, and space is limited, requiring registration.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Build-a-Train Family Workshop - Fairfield Museum and History Center
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hartford (3 miles)
- East Hartford (7 miles)
- New Britain (7 miles)
- Bristol (12 miles)
- Middletown (15 miles)
- Meriden (16 miles)
- Waterbury (21 miles)
- Springfield (25 miles)
- Hamden (27 miles)
- Chicopee (28 miles)
- North Chicopee (30 miles)
- New Haven (33 miles)
- Milford (41 miles)
- Danbury (45 miles)
- Stratford (45 miles)